BJP President Nitin Nabin began his first visit to Telangana as national chief by launching the party’s campaign – Vijaya Sankalpa Sabha, for the upcoming municipal elections. Addressing a packed gathering of party workers in Mahabubnagar, Nabin set the direction for the February 11 polls, calling the election a battle between “development-led politics” and “dynastic corruption.”
Nabin’s speech focused on three main themes: empowering the grassroots, highlighting the failures of the state government, and promoting the “Modi Guarantee.”
He was direct in his criticism of dynastic politics. Nabin accused regional parties of suffocating Telangana with “family-centric rule” and claimed that municipal funds are diverted instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries.
He then made his “double engine” argument, referencing the latest Union Budget and stating that the Centre’s plans for urban housing, sanitation, and drinking water will only be effective in Telangana if the BJP is in control of local bodies.
Nabin also addressed party workers personally, reminding them that he began as a booth-level worker before becoming the BJP’s youngest national president. “In the BJP, your hard work matters more than your lineage,” he said. “Every booth president here can become a leader. We’re a party of workers, not a family business.”
He contrasted the BJP’s record on infrastructure development with what he described as the local government’s “land grabbing and administrative paralysis.”
The Mahabubnagar rally holds significance beyond its optics. The BJP aims to strengthen its presence in southern Telangana. With the State Election Commission having announced polls on February 11 for 116 municipalities and 7 municipal corporations, Nabin’s visit is intended to energize the party base following a recent internal shake-up.
State BJP President N. Ramchander Rao joined Nabin on stage, supporting his message. Rao cautioned that the party will not tolerate “rebel” candidates and promised firm action to keep the BJP united against Congress and BRS.